What Do You Mean I’m Not a Perennial? – Native Shrubs and Small Trees for Perennial Companionship

November 5, 2017 @ 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm

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Most folks are familiar with the concept of the mixed border–perennials, annuals, shrubs, and evergreens blended together in a seamless composition with year-round interest. It sounds good in theory, but transplanting this concept into a real garden is more difficult than it seems.

Not all woody plants mix well with perennials and annuals for several reasons, including differing soil and fertilization needs, incompatible growth habits, aggressive root systems, or fear of crowds. This said, there are a number of native shrubs and small trees that mix wonderfully with herbaceous perennials and annuals.

Many can even be cut back every year or two just like their non-woody neighbors to control their size and promote flowering and vigorous growth. In this talk, Bill Cullina, executive director of Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens, will profile his fifty favorite “natural mixers,” focusing on native woody plants that bring form, texture, color, and wildlife to the perennial garden.

Free and open to the public, space limited to 200. First come, first served.